Studies indicate carpet can maintain indoor air quality

Posted Date:
1/8/2014

[Dalton, Ga.]Shaw Industries announced that a series of studies indicated that effectively cleaned carpets can trap allergens and other particles, resulting in fewer particles escaping into the air and thus contributing to the maintenance of indoor air quality.

“These studies challenge the long held belief that carpet must adversely impact indoor air quality as it pertains to allergy and asthma sufferers,” said Dr. Bruce Mitchell, chairman and chief executive officer of Airmid Healthgroup Limited, an independent biomedical research organization that conducted the study. “Effectively cleaned carpets have the capacity to trap allergen and microbial particles, making these particles less available to become airborne and thus maintaining indoor air quality.”

The studies, which were presented at the annual meetings of both the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), evaluated several residential hardwood and carpet products. The studies aimed to determine the depth of allergen penetration in carpet, the levels of allergens found in the air and the impact of carpet cleaning on allergen removal.

After cleaning the carpets, a meaningful reduction in allergens occurred in the carpet and the surrounding air. The carpets were cleaned using the industry recommended method, which included vacuuming, cleaning with a cleaning agent, agitation, and hot water extraction.

“These findings add to the existing body of research that indicates that well-maintained and effectively cleaned carpets can be a viable choice for asthma and allergy sufferers,” said Paul Murray, vice president of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs of Shaw Industries.